Rear Box

Qashqai66
Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
edited October 2017 in Motorhomes #1

We are in the process of planning for switching from caravan to a motorhome.  Having decided on make and model we are now working out how to carry our essentials.  The one item without which we cannot manage is our pair of Dukdalf  chairs.  I have found that Thule make a rear mounted box which is large enough for these and there will be sufficient space for one or two other outside items.  I am wondering if the additional weight beyond the rear axle is likely to supplest the handling.

I have discovered that there used to be a company in Camborne supplying a Beeny box to go under the van but it seems they are no longer trading.

Any other ideas?

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited October 2017 #2

    It depends on the overhang behind the the rear axle and what else you are "tempted" to put in the box,

    There was a motor caravan near us this last w/end with a long overhang that had a rack on the back that carried a small m/cycle,and the front wheels looked as is they were hardly touching the road,but they seemed oblivious to itsurprised 

  • Paolo Imberino
    Paolo Imberino Forum Participant Posts: 86
    edited October 2017 #3

    We keep our chairs in a made to measure bag from 'bags 4 everything' and then they are on the twin beds whilst travelling and underneath the motorhome when pitch up if not being used.

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited October 2017 #4

    That sounds a great idea.  I am not too keen on extending overall length with a box.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,468
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    edited October 2017 #5

    If you are still thinking of the Stanton, you shouldn’t have a problem with the weight of a rack, box and contents on the rear wall but it might partially obscure your kitchen window. From memory, I think the weight limit on the rack is only 35kg but check it out as I could well be wrong. Extending the length will, obviously, be reflected in ferry fares and could make parking more difficult.

    However, I would urge you to get the van first and see how your storage works out as you could be pleasantly surprised. Personally, I think Paolo has the right idea. 

    I haven’t heard anything of Beeny Boxes for years but, essentially, they fitted 'drawers' in the skirt of the vehicle by cutting into the bodywork. I suspect modern vans with underslung tanks, spare wheel and associated gubbins simply don’t have space underneath for additional storage.

  • Unknown
    edited October 2017 #6
    This content has been removed.
  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Trusted Posts: 23,468
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    edited October 2017 #7

    Qashqai, there is one point I forgot to mention and that is if you choose the AS option of having overcab storage rather than the panorama roof light (I think the option still exists), you’ll find the overcab area large enough to take your bedding. That not only frees up storage under bunk but also saves backache. smile

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Club Member Posts: 10,224
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    edited October 2017 #8

    So what have you decided on Qashqai66? One of the reason we went for the Majestic 125 was a garage yet still within 6M length.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 14,192
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    edited October 2017 #9

    We have two La Fuma light weight reclining chairs. We store them in a nylon bag and they fit across the shower. As they were quite expensive we are reluctant to leave them outside when we are out or overnight but we find they fit perfectly behind the turned round passenger seat when on site. 

    David 

  • Qashqai66
    Qashqai66 Forum Participant Posts: 551
    edited October 2017 #10

    Cyberyacht, we have definitely decided on the Auto-sleeper Stanton.  It is the right size for us and is similar in layout to a 2 berth caravan which is the format which has served us well in almost forty years.  We also like the Mercedes with 7 seed DCT transmission.  We are meeting the sales manage of our nearest dealer at the Auto-sleeper factory towards the end of November in order to have a look at the Stanton and talk numbers.

    Many thanks for helpful replies with regard to a rear box.  It seems to me that if we can manage without it would be a preferable option.  Auto-sleeper still offer the choice of overhead lockers above the cab which we definitely want.  We have no desire for a skylight there, not least as I need sunglasses nearly all the time for driving and the extra storage will be a real bonus.

    We are planning to do the Motorhome Manoeuvring course.  having driven trailed vehicles since childhood I was surprised that there were tips I picked up on the caravan course so no doubt the motorhome one is similarly worth doing.